Glowing tubes, electricity and a kid's bedroom can sound like a nervous combination. The short answer: LED neon signs are a very different product from the old glass neon you remember, and they are a safe, practical choice for homes, offices and kids' rooms when they are installed and used sensibly. Here is what is actually going on inside the sign, and the few simple rules worth following.
LED neon is not glass neon
Traditional neon signs are hand-bent glass tubes filled with gas. To make the gas glow, they need a transformer that steps household power up to a very high voltage, and the glass gets warm and can break.
LED neon works differently. Strips of small LEDs sit inside a flexible silicone tube that diffuses the light into that smooth neon glow. The tubes are mounted on a clear acrylic backing. There is no glass, no gas, and no high-voltage transformer. For a full side-by-side comparison, read our LED neon vs traditional neon guide.
Low voltage at the sign
Our standard LED neon signs run on 12V DC power. The sign plugs into a power supply (the adapter brick), and the adapter plugs into a normal wall outlet. That means the sign itself, and the cable running to it, carries low-voltage power, similar to many household electronics.
A few things to know:
- Use the adapter that came with your sign. It is matched to your sign. If you ever need a replacement, choose one with the same voltage and enough amps; our replacement power supplies are labeled by amp rating, or ask us and we will tell you which one fits.
- Keep the adapter somewhere it can breathe. Not buried under bedding, cushions or a pile of clothes.
- Do not cut or splice the cable unless you know what you are doing. Use an extension cable made for 12V DC instead.
Do LED neon signs get hot?
LED neon runs much cooler than glass neon. After hours of use the tubes may feel slightly warm, but not hot. That is one reason LED neon is popular for bedrooms, nurseries and photo backdrops where people stand close to the sign.
Like any electronic device, give it a little airflow. Wall standoffs hold the sign slightly off the wall, which helps. Keep signs away from radiators, stoves and fireplaces, as noted in our care instructions.
Are they safe in a kid's room or nursery?
Yes, with a few common-sense steps:
- Mount it securely, out of reach. Use the wall standoffs rather than leaning the sign on a dresser a toddler can pull on.
- Hide the cable. Run it behind furniture or inside a cord cover so little hands are not pulling on it.
- Use a remote or dimmer. A dim, warm glow makes a lovely night light. A remote means you can turn it down without reaching behind the crib.
- Pick a soft color for sleep. Warm white, soft pink and amber feel calmer at night than bright blue or white.
Browse our kids room neon signs or design a name sign in our text designer.
Can I leave it on all night?
Many customers run their signs for hours every evening, and businesses run "Open" signs all day. LED neon uses little power for the light it gives. If it is a night light, dim it down. For businesses, a simple outlet timer turns the sign on at opening and off at close, so nobody has to remember.
What about outdoors and bathrooms?
Standard LED neon signs are made for indoor use. Keep them away from direct water and high humidity, such as directly over a shower. For patios, exterior walls and covered outdoor spaces, choose a sign built for it. See our outdoor waterproof neon options.
Quick safety checklist
- Use the power supply that came with the sign.
- Mount it securely with the included hardware.
- Keep the adapter ventilated and away from water.
- Keep indoor signs indoors.
- Unplug before cleaning, and wipe with a soft dry cloth.
- If anything flickers or stops working, unplug it and contact us. Most issues are a loose connection or the power supply, and our signs come with a 2-year warranty.
Have a specific room or setup in mind? Send us a photo and your idea and we will make a free mockup, with advice on size, color and mounting.
